A BUGLE RANGES home offers a tranquil escape from the city, and is a haven for birdlife.

Stephen and Gaye Kiley bought the home 11 years ago after falling in love with its tranquil location and the easy access it offered to shops and services.

“We loved the rural aspect and loved the proximity to all of the increasing services available in Mount Barker, and we’re so close to the city too – on a good day you’re 30 minutes away, but we’re able to have some acres and enjoy the quiet serenity of the countryside,” Mr Kiley says. “It’s such a lovely place and we get a huge amount of pleasure from it, and inside it’s comfortable, warm and cosy – it’s all of the things you’d want a house to be.”

Andrew Winter: The value of a view1:15

Andrew Winter talks about the value of having a view.

February 14th 2018

a year ago

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The home has five bedrooms, several entertainment spaces and character features, including bespoke stonework, high ceilings ornate cornices and architraves. There is also a separate studio or work room, which could be used as a granny flat or teenager’s retreat.

“It’s a combination of old-world charm and new – the original stone walls are up to two-feet thick in some places, and it has a real character about it,” Mr Kiley says.

“The additions have been put on separately but they complement the 1880s character of the cottage and it’s all been done very sympathetically. The eastern side has two sets of french doors opening to an open garden, and the light and life that you see through there is quite impressive. We’ve documented over 100 species of birdlife – it’s quite something.”

“Where the header tanks are – I often go up there at sunset with a beer and it’s incredible the sights you see – you can see for miles.”

The couple are sad to be selling, but the time has come to downsize and let another family enjoy their own slice of the Hills life.

“It’s going to be awful to say goodbye to this place – it’s been a real experience for us,” Mr Kiley says. “It’s so convenient and, when you look at what’s coming up in and around Mount Barker now, this is something rather special. It’s an opportunity for someone to get in and grab it and keep it for a family heirloom.”